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Universal Investments in Toddler Health. Learning from a Large Government Trial

Author

Listed:
  • Baker, Jennifer L.
  • Bjerregaard, Lise G.
  • Dahl, Christian M.

    (University of Southern Denmark)

  • Johansen, Torben S. D.

    (University of Southern Denmark)

  • Sørensen, Emil N.

    (University of Bristol)

  • Wüst, Miriam

    (University of Copenhagen)

Abstract

Exploiting a 1960s government trial in Copenhagen, we study the long-run and inter-generational effects of preventive care for toddlers. We combine administrative data with handwritten nurse records to document universal treatment take-up and positive health effects for treated children over the life course. Beneficial health impacts are largest for disadvantaged children and may even extend to their offspring. While initial trial cohorts experienced positive health and socioeconomic impacts, those are absent for the final cohorts. This heterogeneity across individuals' background and cohorts documents that universal toddler care can alleviate inequalities at low costs, and that the counterfactual policy environment matters.

Suggested Citation

  • Baker, Jennifer L. & Bjerregaard, Lise G. & Dahl, Christian M. & Johansen, Torben S. D. & Sørensen, Emil N. & Wüst, Miriam, 2023. "Universal Investments in Toddler Health. Learning from a Large Government Trial," IZA Discussion Papers 16270, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp16270
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    File URL: https://docs.iza.org/dp16270.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    early-life investments; health; public policy; government trial; Denmark; digitization; automated transcription;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I1 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health
    • J1 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics

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